As visual artists and photographers, we often try to focus or draw the viewer’s attention to certain areas or elements of our image. For example, in the above photograph, I have attempted to focus your attention on the Plumeria blossom in four ways:

• The Rule of Thirds (click the link for a detailed explanation). The center of the blossom is at the intersection of the upper third horizontal line and the right hand third vertical line.
• Clarity or focus. Our eye is naturally drawn to what is sharp and clear to us – to what we readily understand. The blossom is relatively sharp while the focus of the rest of the image is soft.
• The value of light. When we look at an image our eye is drawn to the lighter, brighter values first.
• Simplicity. Good photographs concentrate on a few basic elements. By highlighting only those components that add to your composition, you can focus the viewer’s attention precisely where you want it. Busy backgrounds are distracting.

While I do not claim this is a good photograph, I believe I was able to focus your attention where I wanted to by using a few basic elements of composition while making the image.

Check out Jake’s Sunday post to further focus your attention.